Foundations of mathematical logic

A comprehensive account of the constructive theory of the first-order predicate calculus, which is central to modern mathematical logic and important for mathematicians, philosophers and scientists whose work impinges upon logic. The first half of the book gives the basic principles and outlines of the field. After a general introduction, the author discusses formal methods including algorithms and epitheory. A brief treatment of the Markov treatment of algorithms is included. The elementary facts about lattices and similar algebraic systems are then covered. In the second half of the book Curry investigates the possibility for a formulation which expresses the meaning to be attached to the logical connectives and to develop the properties which follow from the assumptions so motivated. Written by a man considered by many to be one of the major pioneers in the field of mathematical logic, this book avoids a doctrinaire stance, presenting various interpretations of logical systems.--From publisher description.